Christian Horner addresses speculations around Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull

Christian Horner addressed speculation around Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull and feels that the driver would continue to be a part of the team until the squad gives him a fast car. The Dutch driver's contract with the team runs until the end of the 2028 F1 season, but multiple exit clauses have been put in place since the deal was signed.

When the contract was initially signed in 2022, the length of it did come as a surprise to many, but the dynamics between Red Bull and Verstappen at the time were quite good, and hence it did not appear that things could fall apart. The first sign of cracks came in 2024 when the team started struggling with its car concept.

After starting the 2024 F1 season in dominant fashion, Red Bull struggled with the development of the car and hence, Verstappen had to change his approach in races to get the best possible result every weekend and not just target wins every time. To add to this, the internal situation at the team with Horner's internal investigation and tensions with Helmut Marko brought things to the brink.

Even though the title was won in 2024, Verstappen has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to his future. When questioned by Autosport about the future of the Red Bull driver, Horner said that it all came down to the squad giving him competitive machinery. If that continues, the driver wouldn't leave, he said:

"Max has always been crystal clear with the team. His commitment has been unwavering. He enjoys the people that he trusts and the people that he works with and enjoys very much being a part of this team."

He added:

"Of course, with the talent that he has, I'm sure he's on every team principal’s Christmas wish list. That’s inevitable. But, as long as we can continue to provide him with a competitive car and an environment that he enjoys racing in, I don't see any desire for him to be anywhere else."

Christian Horner on Helmut Marko's future tied with Max Verstappen

The Red Bull boss was questioned about how Max Verstappen had openly tied his future with Helmut Marko's presence in the team, to which Horner said that the Austrian was still a part of it and not leaving anytime soon. He said:

"Well, Helmut hasn’t left and isn’t leaving, so I think that Max is… he recognizes the value of team and that's really, again, what he's nurtured during this period. When the car isn't delivering as you hope, your pitstops have got to be strong, the strategy has gotta be good, your reliabilities gotta be there, you've gotta be making the right decisions at the right moments."

A lot of questions about Max Verstappen's future with the team could continue this season as well if the Red Bull is not as fast as its rivals.